English Premier League
Rodri misses Barcelona training but is expected to face Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona midfielder Rodri continued an individual training programme on Saturday, but is expected to be available for Monday’s La Liga meeting with Rayo Vallecano at Spotify Camp Nou.
The Spain international worked in the gym and trained separately from the main group as Barcelona began preparations for the third round of the 2026-27 La Liga season. The match against Rayo Vallecano is scheduled for Monday, two days after Saturday’s session.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Rodri’s programme remains separate from the rest of the squad as the club gradually manages his workload. The midfielder has completed only a small number of training sessions since arriving at Barcelona, with the club’s medical and physiotherapy departments increasing his demands step by step as he works towards full match fitness.
Rodri made his first appearance for Barcelona in the match against Athletic Club, where he made a positive impression. Despite that encouraging debut, the club has continued to take a cautious approach to his integration into the team.
Barcelona are understood to be completely calm about Rodri’s physical condition. The midfielder is considered ready to play and is expected to have an important role in manager Hansi Flick’s project. However, he returned from holiday only a few days ago after captaining Spain to World Cup glory, meaning Barcelona do not intend to rush him back into regular action.
The expectation is that Rodri should have no difficulty being included in Flick’s squad for the visit of Rayo Vallecano. It remains difficult to see him starting the match, though, with Barcelona set to manage his return gradually.
Saturday’s training session began at 09:30 local time at Camp Tito Vilanova, part of the Joan Gamper Sports City, under Flick’s direction. The Barcelona manager worked with all available first-team players.
Dominik Livakovic, Barcelona’s latest signing, took part in the session. It was the goalkeeper’s second training session since joining the Catalan club.
Gavi was the only first-team absentee apart from long-term injured players Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji. Eider Aller, Hamza Abd el Karim, Brian Farinas and Jesse Biseou also trained with the rest of the group.
Barcelona’s immediate focus is now on the Rayo Vallecano fixture, while the club continues to build Rodri’s fitness without placing unnecessary pressure on his return. His availability would give Flick another significant midfield option, although the midfielder’s involvement is expected to be carefully controlled as he adapts to the demands of competitive action.
